It appears as a shimmering hulk on the rise. The super-sized sensation makes its regal entrance and attracts more than just curious glances from onlookers.

When one first sees this truck, it seems to be an apparition that fills the horizon with its bulk. It is in fact an Actros truck, brimful of the latest in Mercedes-Benz technology and equipment needed to make its driver feel quite regal. Analogies with crowns and diamonds are not amiss as one rifles through the sparkling specifics of this fine specimen of truck prowess.

The full glamour treatment is crowned with polished metal roof-mounted air horns. These are set on both sides of four glittering spotlights on a chrome bar just above the windscreen. A touch of class is added with chrome strips that emphasise the radiator and then again on the wheels with their diamond-polished, mirror-finished aluminium rims. All this neatly complements the long-range aluminium fuel tanks fitted to give the truck tractor suitable functionality – a 820-litre fuel capacity when full.

Officially the model is classified as a Mercedes- Benz Actros 2661 LS that has been built to purpose as a show truck for Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles in South Africa. Its royal blue bulk has graced a recent dealer conference in Johannesburg, the opening of the new Garden City Motors Commercials dealership in Pietermaritzburg and a specialist day at Union Motors in Vryheid.

According to Peter Wraight, product manager for Mercedes-Benz trucks, its handsome frame and the special treatment inside has met with admiration all round. He also plans to test fuel consumption and deduct from that the operational advantages of a higher power-to-weight ratio in long-distance truck tractors.

“I am keen to test market reaction to this vehicle … Our previous show truck was a huge success and was snapped up quite soon by an admirer! What is really impressive about this Megaspace truck is that a man of average height can stand upright inside this cab,” says Wraight. This is attributable to the flat floor that has been raised by 300–400 millimetres compared with standard cabs; this also makes the stance of the vehicle higher from the outside.

The inside is a luxurious affair, with a dashboard in woodgrain finish providing the right contrast. Attention to detail is evident everywhere: remote door lock/opening, air-sprung driver and passenger seats, a single bunk with a kitchenette (coffee maker, fridge and cooler or heater box) above it. Additional recess storage is provided above the windscreen. Naturally, air conditioning and a radio/CD player are standard equipment for the coolest of driver pads.

Brimful with extra accessories, the vehicle has so many features that there is no excuse for a driver not to know what is going on inside and outside of his truck.

Lane Assist is standard, and the optional feature of distance control that alerts the driver when he is too close to another vehicle, is fitted to the vehicle. An extra exterior front-bumper mirror allows the driver to see immediately in front of the vehicle (next to the body) which helps to prevent not only hitting pedestrians and cyclists that may be obscured but also other stationary objects. The front-bumper camera just below the windscreen has a similar enlightening function. All round, the safety aspects and driver aids make the truck a pleasure to drive.

It might be a regal rendition of a common workhorse but this consort is definitely no pretender to the throne, backing up good looks with power and prowess.

Upper class: It might be working class, but the Actros 2661 makes its presence felt on the road with its regal air

Stately affair: Inside finishes are high class, with a dashboard in woodgrain finish as well as automatic door opening, air-sprung driver and passenger seats with individual adjustments, and a kitchenette

Regiment detail: A coffee maker, fridge and cooler or heater box and additional recess storage provide home comforts Inside and outside: The pedestrian monitor alerts the driver when he is too close to another vehicle and allows him to see immediately in front of the vehicle

Its vital statistics

• Engine: V8 turbo intercooled engine developing 448 kW (610 hp)
• Transmission: 16-speed automatic PowerShift
• Voith Retarder
• Cab: Standard Megaspace
• Long-range tanks: 550 + 280 litres = 820 litres
• Air suspension